Ancient Philosophies and Civilizations

Almost all the movements that have become popular recently depend on teachings, philosophies, civilizations, and traditions that date back to ancient times. In fact, their emphasis on antiquity is one of the reasons for their popularity. Some claim that they have been appointed to re-establish the ancient civilization of Atlantis;[7] others talk of ancient civilizations such as Amon, Babylon, Mu, Maya, and Ancient Egypt and say some old practices born out of these milieux can be used today. However, the environment today has changed profoundly, making such a transfer impossible, while at the same time the spiritual, cultural, and mental acquisitions of human beings have developed incomparably. The situation is no different for the final divine religion. Many things have changed, especially since the time that Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was granted prophethood. For example, the final divine religion, that is Islam, evolved into maturity, nullifying the need to rely on old teachings, practices, or philosophies in order to meet the spiritual needs of human beings. This was recorded through God’s words and the Prophet’s practices.

This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (Qur’an 5:3)

 The Prophet (pbuh) interprets an aspect of this verse as follows: “I have been sent to complete good morals.”[8] Religion has been completed so that we will not need the old spiritual or moral practices.

The means that jinn and the devils employed to obtain information were eliminated as of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). These creatures used to convey this information to people with a great deal of exaggeration, even though it would contain some unclear and indefinite hints concerning future events. The Holy Qur’an states:

We have indeed set up constellations in the Heavens and made them attractive to beholders; And guarded them against every accursed devil; however, if they eavesdrop stealthily they are pursued by a visible flame. (15:16-18)[9]

In another chapter, jinn say,

And that we reached out to Heaven, but we found it filled with mighty guards and comets; And that we used to sit around it eavesdropping; but whoever listens now will find a comet in wait for him. (72:8-9)

Interpretations of these verses bring forth the following points:

1. All devils, without any exception, are accursed. They lie.

2. Jinn used to eavesdrop from the heavens in order to lead people astray before the time of the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings.

It is important to mention one thing here first: most scholars, especially philosophers and those among Sufi scholars, mention that human beings possess different traits. They allocate human beings into five chief groups, which are discussed below.

[7] Aksiyon, March 30, 2002, 382.

[8] Muwatta, Husnu’l-Khuluq, 8; Hanbal, Musnad, II, 38.

[9] For a similar meaning see Qur’an 37:6-10.